INDIGENOUS STYLE
Model aims to inspire, teach
Joleen Mitton is no stranger to the world of fashion.
After being discovered at a fairgrounds in Vancouver as a teen, she was plucked from her normal urban life filled with school and basketball and catapulted into a wild world of runway shows and international photo shoots.
Now, after stepping away from full-time modelling, Mitton is choosing to shine the spotlight on cultural creations with her latest adventure: Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week.
In advance of the four-day event, Mitton chatted with Postmedia News about her time in front of the camera, why the industry is due for a change, and the one thing she wishes people would understand about Indigenous fashion.
Q When and why did you first get into modelling?
A I started modelling when
I was 15 after a model agent approached me at the PNE while I was in line for a free juice in the marketplace. I was tall and thin and played lots of basketball and was quite the tomboy. I thought they were crazy when asked. My sister Tania had assured me they weren’t ( joking) and that I had potential to be a model — if it wasn’t for her convincing me, I probably wouldn’t have done it.
Q What was your favourite part about being a model?
A Being able to travel. I’ve learned so much from different cultures and seeing things on a global scale that has moulded me to who I am today. The art aspect, as well; the makeup, clothes and themes also served to satisfy the artist in me.
Q And your least favourite?
A The accolades I was getting for being really ... “ridiculously good looking” (said in a Zoolander voice). (Laughs) It’s not like I cured cancer. I’ve always been super uncomfortable with that bit, but now I’ve learned to accept that experience and move forward in a positive way. Also, the strict diet. There were times where I’ve fainted because I was trying to fit into a dress or I was asked to lose weight. The industry is definitely oppressive, and one of my many goals is to change that.
Q What does fashion represent to you as a way to promote Indigenous culture and arts?
A Identity, and self preservation. Slow fashion is high fashion, and art is transformative. It can transcend through prejudice.
Q What is one misconception you wish to dispel about Indigenous design?
A That we are not here and we don’t see people appropriating our art and design. We are here, and we want to work with people from other places. We want you to know that you can come to the source.
Q What made you want to start Indigenous Fashion Week in Vancouver?
A There are lots of reasons. The first was that we have so many talented artist and makers here that they were going unnoticed because they were in the First Nations community. The second reason was because of the work I was doing with my kids in care, and how they were dressing in mostly Disney and pop culture clothing. To wear something from your nation shows where you come from — whether it’s button blankets, ribbon skirts or accessories like bone necklaces or cedar bracelets. They are coming from a rich, beautiful culture that they should be proud of, and which can be shared in a contemporary way.
Q What can people expect to see at the event?
A Beautiful models, beautiful designs and a strong, rich culture.
Q What are your ambitions for the event?
A To inspire the youth, and educate the public.